Talk Derby to Me, Marco Island, 2012

"Talk Derby to Me," the annual fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation, was held Saturday at the Marco Island Brewery, with dozens of ladies attending in extravagant hats. Everybody had their bets down when, just after the Kentucky Derby started, the iconic horse race that "Talk Derby" is based around froze on the big screens surrounding the party, due to a malfunction of DirecTV. Attendees yanked out their smartphones to discover the winner was, fittingly, "I'll Have Another," making Curt and Jacquie Koon winners. Cindy Hamilton won for best hat. MIB owner Frank LaCava donated the restaurant's proceeds to the cause, and the event raised $30,000, said Upon a Star co-founder Howard Jordan. To support the work of the Upon A Star Foundation, call 239-272-3090 or go to www.uponastarfoundation.org.

Eyes go to the TV screens as the race begins. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Joan Chustz has an air of mystery. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Jacki Strategos and Mary Zachrich-Schwindt, and their hats, pose for a picture. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Sally Boughton's hat is homemade by her. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Tatiana LaCruz sports a black hat with flowers. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Suzanne Amon said this was her first-ever Derby. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Anne Machok wore the whole paddock on her head. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Suzanne Amon said this was her first-ever Derby. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Michelle and Howard Jordan emcee the proceedings. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Jesse Palanco serves up desserts. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Eyes go to the TV screens as the race begins. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Money shot - Michelle and Howard Jordan display some of the organization's take from the event. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

DJ Steve Reynolds scrambles for results after the DirecTV link goes down. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Great timing: just after the race started, the TV picture froze. Marco Islanders, many in outrageous hats, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Marco Island Brewery for "Talk Derby to Me," a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser for the Upon a Star Foundation. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent